Fall Home Maintenance Tips
By Karin Kay, Sable Homes General Manager
Gearing up for fall means jeans, flannel, changing of colors and football! It can also mean home maintenance, which is just as fun! Okay, maybe not, but seasonal home check-ups can save you a lot of time and money down the road, and that is fun!
With fall coming, that also means chillier temperatures. Heating and cooling companies get very busy in the winter months, so make sure you do a through check of your furnace and fireplace. This way, if there are any problems you can make an appointment before the inevitable Michigan winter comes storming through.
“Heating and cooling amount to 47% of the energy costs in your home. Proper sealing and insulation can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs, or up to 10% on your total annual energy bill,” says Katie Cody, spokeswoman for Lowe’s.
While you are at it, check the insulation on your home. An adequate amount of insulation will not only keep your house warmer in the winter, but it will also save you money on heating bills, which is a bonus. Make sure you have enough insulation, and that the insulation is properly installed.
Everyone’s favorite chore…raking leaves. The plus side is raking leaves is 1. Good exercise 2. An excuse to get outdoors 3. Raked leaves can be used in the compost pile or use as mulch.
“Whatever you do, don’t waste fallen leaves because they’re an excellent source of nutrients and organic matter. You can also add them to flower beds to put a winter blanket on your garden” (DIY). It is a triple win. Just remember to clean those leaves out of your gutters and downspouts as well!
Make sure you check “foundation for cracks and caulk around the areas where masonry meets siding, where pipes or wires enter the house, and around the windows and door frames to prevent heat from escaping” (BobVilla). Water or moisture sneaking into cracks can cause rot or damage.
If you’re itching for a fall project or home improvement weekend, fall is a great time to do some painting. In fact, “lower humidity and cooler (not yet cold) temperatures make fall a good time to paint the exterior of your home” (DIY). Try a shade of gray with white trim for a clean and cozy year-round color.